Pajero Legend celebrates 30th anniversary of Mitsubishi icon
The Mitsubishi Pajero, one of the most successful vehicles in off-road motorsport with 12 overall wins in the Dakar Rally, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Mitsubishi Motors SA is marking this milestone by developing a 30 year Pajero Legend special edition based on the 3.2Di-D GLX.
The Pajero Legend comes standard with all the features expected in a luxury 4x4. However, the 4x4 system is specially specified for extreme off-road performance and also includes ASTC (Active Stability & Traction Control). The Super Select 4WD system has low range, centre differential lock and rear differential lock - all of which are electronically operated. What is more is the system allows shift on the fly - meaning that the change to 4WD mode can be done at speeds up to 100 km/h. This is combined with the high torque 3.2 litre diesel engine which produces 140 kW at 3 800 rpm and 441 Nm at 2 000 rpm and a towing capacity of 3 300 kg (braked).
The design of the Pajero aids the impressive 4x4 abilities: 235mm ground clearance, an approach angle of 36.6 degrees, departure angle of 25 degrees and break-over angle of 22.5 degrees are superb, and move the vehicle over any obstacle. The Legend is equipped for the serious off-road adventurer. Adventure equipment valued at over R120 000 is standard. The equipment list was derived from Mitsubishi's own customers and off-road enthusiasts and includes a nudge bar, LED spot lamps, tow bar, rock sliders and under- body protection plates. There is also branded heavy duty seat covers and an air snorkel, A/T tyres plus a tyre monitor and a Garmin GPS. For recovering other vehicles on your trips there are a high lift jack, spade and full recovery kit. Of course, every adventure man needs to then set up camp. The Legend comes with a roof rack fitted with a table, gas bottle and two jerry cans for diesel or water, air compressor, dual battery system, Luna 50 litre freezer strapped in place and two heavy duty soft-arm camping chairs.
The Pajero has become something of a cult vehicle in all the countries in which it is sold. Along with the Evo series of high performance sedan cars it has done wonders to elevate the image of the Mitsubishi Motors brand by injecting it with plenty of excitement and adrenalin from a host of successes in off-road racing and the World Rally Championship. The first generation of Pajero was produced from 1982 to 1991, with a second generation running from 1991 to 1999. A third take on the Pajero DNA appeared in 1999 and continued to 2006 when it was succeeded by the current, fourth generation model range. The Pajero is very much a part of the on-going product range from Mitsubishi Motors, which is now an independent motor company, headquartered in Japan. What is a certainty is the Pajero will continue being a vehicle that can allow its owners to live their dreams off the beaten track.
The Pajero Legend special edition sells for R619 900 and comes with a three year /100 000 kilometre warranty and a five year I 100 000 kilometre maintenance plan.
